Symptoms of Chiari Malformation: Introduction

The symptoms of Arnold-Chiari malformation are generally neurological in nature. Symptoms are caused by an abnormally formed skull that forces a part of the cerebellum of the brain to extend down below its normal position in the skull. In Arnold-Chiari malformation, the cerebellum pushes down into the spinal canal and puts pressure on the brain stem.

The severity of symptoms of Arnold-Chiari malformation varies greatly between individual cases, because there are different grades or severities of the disorder.

In mild cases, there may be no symptoms at all. The disorder may only be diagnosed because it is discovered incidentally on CT or MRI testing that was done for other suspected conditions.

When symptoms do occur in Arnold-Chiari malformation, the most common symptom is headache. The headache originates from the back of the head and upper neck and radiates upward. Compression of the nervous system can also result in double vision, blurred vision, muscle weakness, dizziness, vertigo, incoordination, and problems with balance. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, facial numbness, fainting (syncope) and the stopping of breathing (apnea).

Disability and other potentially serious complications may occur in some severe cases of Arnold-Chiari malformation. Complications can include hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a build-up of excessive fluid in the brain. Another serious complication is syringomyelia, in which the spinal cord is damaged due to a build-up of fluid. Pressure on the spinal cord can also lead to permanent paralysis....more about Chiari Malformation »

Symptoms of Chiari Malformation

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources
for Chiari Malformation includes the 14
symptoms listed below:

Article Excerpts About Symptoms of Chiari Malformation:

Symptoms most often begin during infancy,
although they may be delayed until adolescence or adulthood. Symptoms
usually include vomiting, muscle weakness in the head and face, difficulty
swallowing, and varying degrees of mental impairment. Paralysis of the
arms and legs may also occur. As they grow older, adults and adolescents
with Chiari malformation who previously were asymptomatic may show signs
of progressive brain impairment, such as involuntary, rapid, downward eye
movements. Other symptoms may include dizziness, headache, double vision,
deafness, an impaired ability to coordinate movement, and episodes of
acute pain in and around the eyes.
(Source: excerpt from NINDS Chiari Malformation Information Page: NINDS)

Chiari Malformation as a Cause of Symptoms or Medical Conditions

When considering symptoms of Chiari Malformation, it is also important to consider Chiari Malformation as a possible cause of other medical conditions.
The Disease Database lists the following medical conditions that Chiari Malformation may cause:

About signs and symptoms of Chiari Malformation:

The symptom information on this page
attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Chiari Malformation.
This signs and symptoms information for Chiari Malformation has been gathered from various sources,
may not be fully accurate,
and may not be the full list of Chiari Malformation signs or Chiari Malformation symptoms.
Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Chiari Malformation may vary on an individual basis for each patient.
Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they
are indeed Chiari Malformation symptoms.

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.